EVERY DRIVER MUST KNOW: How to check if a car is 2WD or 4WD (2WD vs 4WD)

Quickest and most reliable way to confirm the vehicle is equipped with a 4WD or AWD system. (awd vs 4wd)
The reason I wanted to make this video is because unfortunately in my career as a mechanic I've seen people having the impression they had a 4wd vehicle where in reality it was a 2wd. Whether due to their own negligence, or seller's dishonesty - it is never the topic people like to discuss, so I decided to put together a quick video showing how to check if the vehicle you're looking at really is a 4wd (or AWD).
This video was filmed with Canon G50 - amzn.to/2Rvhghi
Additional affiliate links to a few products I personally own and use:
Basic Hand Tools - amzn.to/2I91cBb
Drill and Impact Driver - amzn.to/2WCMxzI
Cordless Ratchet - amzn.to/2KcBsBw
Portable Jump Starter - amzn.to/2HR0V4l
Fluke Multimeter - amzn.to/2HQOx42
Code Reader - amzn.to/2HRwdI4
Upholstery Remover - amzn.to/32dXTiS
Pocket screw driver - amzn.to/2HQrPcE
Pocket Flashlight - amzn.to/3j32AVF
Hook set - amzn.to/2JUdfTi
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Make It Easy Mechanic, it cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Make It Easy Mechanic assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Make It Easy Mechanic recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Make It Easy Mechanic, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Make It Easy Mechanic.
keywords: 4wd, 4wd vs awd, car buying, how to buy a car

[@dilhyaross8047]

After reading numerous articles, this really is the easiest way. 45 year old woman here, figured it out in 30 seconds. The audio and video explained it perfectly. Most helpful YT video I've seen in a long time. Thanks!

[@yishaithegift9953]

I agree. I recently purchased an 06 Infiniti M35 Sport. I didn't know it was 4 wheel drive until a few days ago. I loved my car before. Now we're engaged to be married. 😂 Excellent video.

[@jessewragg]

Thanks for the info. Anyone wanting to skip straight to "how to tell" can see it at 2:18

[@stevenhall4165]

Thank you for that

[@revasgs6038]

So beautifully explained in a simple way. Instantly i'm enlightened on 2 WD and 4 WD, this was great help. Thank you.

[@rahmatcarwheels]

This is the most useful video in youtube explaining the topic so easily and clearly , now i am confident about any vehicle , Thanks to the author.

[@keishunayoung136]

Thank you soooo much for this video...I should've come here before asking fam and friends... all of their info was conflicting and they never gave a concrete valid answer outside of their laughter😅so thank you

[@bjrn-erikmichalsen2825]

So simple and ingenious. I have thought of how to check it and I was not able to come up with this simple solution

[@MszKita]

THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS HELPED ME TREMENDOUSLY!!! know some about cars, just not models over 2000 HA so this helped me TREMENDOUSLY

[@iallen4188]

So while my vehicle was on the lift today, why were the mechanics asking me whether my car was a 2wd or 4wd? We were all under it at the same time. I thought Umm wouldn't they know that from looking at it???

[@pman2916]

We're looking to buy AWD and this has been a great tip. Thank you so much!

[@llarose]

The answer is not given until 2:20 in the video. Educational, nonetheless.

[@jerrythefox5147]

Thank you for the quick, simple video.

[@55viki40]

Xlnt video easy to follow and understand some basic info regarding the differences in the 2WD, AWD and 4WD. I’m recommending their video to family n friends. Thank you so much!

[@JonLumley]

Thank you sir. Much needed info for this dummy.

[@harperadams510]

This is the best video on 2WD vs4WD. I saw many before watching this one. Thanks so much I truly appreciate this information. I only have one question. Should the rods going into the wheel be on all 4 tires or just 2. Thanks

[@MakeItEasyMechanic]

2 on 2 wheel drive, and 4 - on 4wd 😀

[@Fasyle]

Very informative, thank you!

[@Moabel]

Thank you so much … you achieved what you set out to do

[@nektariosmavrelis7898]

congrats pal! u r the best!

[@derrickleonard227]

Great job on this video. Very helpful!

[@tsouryavong13]

I had the opposite happen to me. I bought a Frontier and there was nothing on it that showed that it was a 4x4. Usually it would show if it's a 4x4 on the bottom right of the tailgate but mine didn't have it. But it does have a 4 wheel drive knob that you can turn it to 4 wheel drive. The previous owner bought a frontier tailgate that was previously on a 2wd frontier and installed it on his 4x4 frontier and then sold it.

[@pdominick]

Very clearly explained and helpful!

[@absbi0000]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@lealee1120]

Thanks for this video.

[@nasto19nj]

Barney style. Nice explanation.

[@ironphilly2366]

heres howt to test if fwd or awd put the E brake and step on the gas and pray.

[@samdilworth1989]

Thanks Man I drive a tow truck and the flatbed is in the shop. Im driving a wheellift and when you drive a wheellift it is very important to know the difference. I always look for the drive axel at 2:22. What would happen to a transmission if you tow a car by its rear wheels and the car is 4 wheel drive? I heard even if you put it in neutral its bad.

[@MakeItEasyMechanic]

Yeah, it's bad. It's okay only if you can put the transfer case in neutral (like on some pickup trucks and SUVs) otherwise people disconnect the drive shaft.

[@jessicaoberembt]

Thank you!!

[@Raineydaysanddaydreams]

THANKS 👍

[@sunilkumarmacwan6140]

Thank you.

[@mayflower1900]

THANK YOU!!!

[@OhHooey]

Well turns out my jeeps RWD lol

[@oneummah6795]

Thank you, great video !

[@tritonh5683]

thank you

[@Hosanna0077]

We have 2015 Ford Escape, and we bought it for 15k. I can’t find the button for 4 wheel drive, it stuck on snow before

[@artg6361]

Brilliant!

[@devyl8156]

turns out i have a rare awd all-trec instead of a fwd lmao toyota camry

[@rockerboxghoul9560]

What’s the difference between 4wd and AWD

[@mayasevelen]

None. All wheels= 4 wheels since cars have 4 wheels

[@OhHooey]

Real answer: All wheel drive each wheel can have small changes in power between wheels to counter traction loss. While 4 wheel drive keeps same power in all wheels not matter what.

[@sdub2395]

lmao no

[@jpayne8096]

Actually, most all wheel drive vehicles function as two wheel drive most of the time. When sensors on the wheels detect slippage, a certain amount of torque is transferred to the wheels that are normally not receiving power, to help with traction. Once normal driving conditions are detected, the system switches back to two wheel drive. All of this happens automatically, requiring no input from the driver. Some systems also have a switch, or button that will allow you to temporarily "lock" the system into 4wd mode, but will limit the vehicles speed, or automatically disengage when the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed. Locking a vehicle into 4wd should ONLY be done on loose surfaces such as sand, snow, mud, gravel, ect... as hard dry surfaces can and will cause damage to the 4wd system.

[@appalachianamerican3881]

AWD you don't do anything, the computer tells the wheels when to apply power/torque. 4wd are two wheel drive vehicles with a lever or button that you engage to make all 4 wheels turn. Usually 4wd should only be used in certain situations and not left on all the time because it could burn up the transfer case, while AWD runs all the time.

[@fernandovalle1769]

I need the hot wire on wineshell. On 2003 F-150 going to. wipers

[@acenewholland564]

Mine is 2wd. How I know? It was 4wd …

[@INTEL965GAMES]

mmmmm........Manual say is 4WD and internet pages says is 2WD....................But the car actually looks like the one at 2:18 LOOL

[@Leftandright724]

Too much crap talking until the last minute